General Information

Vigna vexillata is a very variable, perennial climbing plant producing annual 0.3 - 6 metres long stems from a tuberous, spindle-shaped, woody rootstock. The stems scramble over the ground and twine into the surrounding vegetation[

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The plant is a very important food crop in several areas, such as Namibia, where it is commonly harvested from the wild for local use. Its use has spread beyond its native range and the plant is now sometimes cultivated for its edible tubers. It is also grown as a green manure and ground cover crop, especially in poor soils.

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This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[